FAQs

Everything You Need To Know…

Penny-Per-Pour: In compliance with the ABC regulations, we charge a penny per sampling pour in your commemorative MCBF glass. This is done on the honor system, so simply place a few bucks in the first bucket you encounter. We in turn provide that money collected to a local charity here in Birmingham. We are proud to support Community Food Bank of Central Alabama this year!

Designated Drivers and Carpooling: Buy your DD a ticket to enter, a meal while there, and thank them from the bottom of your heart for making sure everyone arrives safely home at the end of the evening. Parking is going to be a challenge, so ridesharing services and carpooling will be best!

Drinking Vessel: The only glass that MCBF volunteers are authorized to pour a 2 oz sample into is the 2018 commemorative sample glass. NOTHING ELSE. No beverages may enter or leave from our location in Avondale Park.

Respect the Beer: In choosing the best beers, ciders, and meads in the Alabama market there will be some that are in the ‘high gravity’ range that are between 6-13.9% ABV (alcohol by volume). Those beverages are going to come in all colors, tastes, and styles. So, you might not realize how quickly they add up. So, please grab a free water and hydrate in between samples and be sure to eat from one of our local food vendors while you are there. You should NOT attempt to try EVERY offering at the event!

Hydrate: We will be out in the August sun, drinking beers, meads, and ciders all of which will dehydrate you. There will be free water on hand, so make sure you grab one. There is always a Blue Shirt volunteer walking around offering them about mid-way through the event. TAKE ONE!

Pretzel Necklaces: Make your own and wear it or buy one at the event. They are great for cleansing your palate between different styles of beverages. Plain or low salt pretzels are best. Remember to hydrate too!

Sunscreen and Hats: It will be sunny (at some point) over the two day event. You should prepare for the elements accordingly. There will be shaded areas and misting tents to help you cool off.

Children: Children are welcome with a Designated Driver whom is a parent or guardian. Children 15 and younger are admitted free. Young adults ages 16 to 20 must purchase a DD ticket and present their state-issued ID.

Thank a Blue Shirt: Magic City Brewfest is organized by an all-volunteer crew of Blue Shirts from the Birmingham Chapter of Free The Hops. You will see them around the event making sure things are taken care of for your enjoyment. When you see one be sure to thank them for the hard work that goes in year round for planning and executing this great event annually.

Smoking Area: There will be a designated smoking area. That is the ONLY AREA where smoking is permitted. Smoking in the sampling area will be strictly prohibited and swiftly enforced. If cautioned more than once, MCBF reserves the right to expel offenders from the event.

Pets @ MCBF: Despite this event being outdoors and Avondale Park being pet friendly we will not allow pets to enter the event space. Service Animals, with proper credentials, are the ONLY exception.

PRO TIP #1:Drink your rinse water. We get how that sounds, but when you are handed a bottle of water to rinse the tiny remainder of a brew away, toss back that slightly flavored water and take advantage of the hydration. The more water you drink, the longer you can go sampling brews!